NHS is committed to frequent communication with caregivers. ASPEN is the main platform we use for communicating with caregivers and students. ASPEN syncs with other communication tools such as Talking Points, OTUS, Enriching Students (FLEX) and Google classroom. If you are not receiving emails or text messages, please notify adumais@northampton-k12.us to update your contact information in ASPEN. Below is a list of tools used to communicate. Parents DO NOT need to register for any of these tools because ASPEN naturally syncs the information for you:
ASPEN:
- School Information System- sends data to the state regarding necessary information for data tracking.
- used updating transcripts
- syncs and generates email and contact information for Talking Points, Otus, Naviance, Enriching Students, Google Classroom. ASPEN allows our other programs to easily sync information which supports users from needing to input information each time. For example I send the Hello Hamp link from ASPEN. ASPEN allows me to email all caregivers, students and faculty at one time. ASPEN also supports teachers in emailing one class of students and caregivers at once.
Talking Points:
- This tool supports text messaging to caregivers in the families preferred language or home language.
- relies on the cell phone number listed in ASPEN to support the communication. Because Talking Points syncs with ASPEN, caregivers do not need to register for the program, they simply receive messages and can respond as necessary.
- This is a two way communication tool. Caregivers can receive and return text messages to the sender in their home language. It is a tool which provides in the moment translation services.
Enriching Students:
- This is a student and teacher program only.
- This program also syncs grades and schedules with ASPEN.
- The program is used for students to register for a Flex block class weekday.
OTUS:
- Standards Based Grading Platform.
- Monitors students progression and mastery of learning standards.
- Caregivers and students may log on to OTUS to monitor their students mastery of standards.
- OTUS syncs final grades (transcripts) with ASPEN.
- Caregivers wanting to track their students grades should set up an OTUS account. If you have not set one up, here is an article showing caregivers how to set up an Otus account
Lionbridge
- 24 hour “live” translation service.
- A human translator is available via phone to translate meetings and phone calls in the home language.
- For more info HERE is a link to the Lionbridge website